Mature Stage Research Articles

BIOACTIVE COMPONENTS AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF RAW AND BOILED EGYPTIAN PEPPER

In the current study, two cultivars of pepper (Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens) at two maturity stages (green and red) were evaluated for their contents of some bioactive compounds and antibacterial activities for their ethanolic and aqueous extracts in both raw and heat-treated forms (boiling). Boiling treatment was performed under the Egyptian household conditions. Proximate analyses of the tested samples were determined, and the resulted data showed that ash and crude protein were declined after boiling treatment, while crude fat and total carbohydrate increased. Vitamin C, β-carotene and vitamin E as well as capsaicin contents were also estimated by HPLC, and the obtained data showed that all of those components were lowered by boiling treatment. Antioxidant activity of fresh and heat-treated pepper samples was carried out by using of 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•) assay. Data showed that all pepper samples had high antioxidant activities which were increased because of boiling treatment. Finally, the antibacterial activity of all ethanolic and aqueous extracts as well as capsaicin standard was tested against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Only, ethanolic extracts partially inhibited all the tested organisms except, Bacillus cereus which was completely inhibited by both ethanolic and aqueous extracts.

Evaluating maturity indicators in stingless bee honey: The role of soluble solids over pot condition in harvesting standards

In stingless bee honey (SBH) harvesting, beekeepers often collect honey without accurately assessing its maturation stage, which can impact its physicochemical diversity. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of storage pot condition on SBH maturity by examining honey from open pots (OP) and closed pots (CP). It is commonly assumed that honey in OP is immature and honey in CP is mature. Our physicochemical analyses, including moisture content, soluble solids (°Brix), sugars, and aliphatic organic acids (AOA), tested this hypothesis. The findings revealed that 40 % of SBH samples from OP were mature, challenging the initial assumption. Furthermore, AOA analysis showed that gluconic, acetic, and lactic acids are predominant in SBH, but no direct correlation between AOA concentration and honey maturity was observed. Based on these results, we conclude that OP and CP are not reliable indicators of SBH maturity. This was a preliminary study, providing results that can be further investigated through the validation of the applied methodology and with a larger number of samples. Nevertheless, this study is an important step towards standardizing SBH and assisting producers during the harvest, ultimately optimizing the collection process. To standardize SBH maturity, we recommend using °Brix values, with values above 55 suggesting mature honey with a moisture content below 40 g 100 g⁻¹. Implementing °Brix measurements can improve harvesting practices, enhance honey quality, reduce bee stress, and increase both honey production and market availability.

The collapse of the Caledonian orogen in SW Norway: Insights from quartz textures

Extensional collapse is a common late- to post-collisional feature of orogens. It is particularly prominent in the SW Scandinavian Caledonides, where extensional detachments formed progressively from the initial reactivation of the basal thrust zone to the formation of hinterland-dipping extensional shear zones. A mature stage, documented here, involves the development of bivergent (both hinterland- and foreland-dipping) shear zones and associated vertical basement mobilization. The main foreland-facing extensional shear zone in the study area is the Bergen Detachment – a until recently overlooked or misinterpreted structure. This detachment overprints top-to-W mylonitic fabrics related to the earlier Devonian extension stages and developed in response to the updoming of the Baltica basement west of Bergen (the Øygarden Complex) into a late core complex. Our microstructural and textural examinations suggest that for both the Hardangerfjord Shear Zone and the Bergen Detachment, strain was localized by activation of dislocation creep in quartz through the operation of multiple slip systems in the <a> direction, predominantly prism <a> and rhomb <a>. These examinations and existing radiometric age constraints suggest that the progressive shear zone development occurred over maybe as little as 5 million years, under upper to middle greenschist facies conditions. Synkinematic cooling brought both the Bergen Detachment and Hardangerfjord Shear Zone through the ductile-brittle transition zone. The main explanation for this prolonged collapse development is 1) that the early low-angle detachment became too low-angle for continued shearing, giving rise to the first hinterland-dipping set of shear zones, and 2) that the basement weakened rheologically and mobilized gravitationally with the formation of large upright folds with new detachments along their flanks (the bivergent stage), including the Bergen Detachment.

Impacts of shellfish and macroalgae mariculture on the seawater carbonate system and air-sea [formula omitted] flux in Haizhou Bay, China

China is the largest mariculture country, and shellfish and algae output ranks first, showing high carbon sink capacity. In recent years, the single cultivation of macroalgae (Pyropia yezoensis) has been changed to macroalgae-shellfish mariculture in Haizhou Bay to increase the yield of P. yezoensis and improve the water environment quality. In this study, four surveys were carried out in July 2022 during the monoculture period of oyster (Magallana gigas), as well as at different stages of P. yezoensis culture (head-crop period, November 2022, peak growing season, January 2023, and end of harvesting, March 2023) in the mariculture and the surrounding waters of Haizhou Bay. The effects of different stages of culture on the seawater environment and seasonal and spatial variations in the carbonate system were analyzed, and the carbon sink capacity was preliminarily estimated. The results showed that in summer, the calcification of M. gigas and the primary production process of phytoplankton effectively reduced the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) level in the culture area. The culture area acts as a CO2 sink, with an average air-sea CO2 flux of −4.5 mmol m−2 d−1. During the polyculture period, the P. yezoensis culture activities maintained the stability of the seawater carbonate system, and the culture area shows strong CO2 sinks, with the average air-sea CO2 flux of −24.10 mmol m−2 d−1, -37.68 mmol m−2 d−1, and -38.99 mmol m−2 d−1, respectively. The absorption of CO2 by large-scale cultured P. yezoensis through the "biological pump" effect is the main factor affecting the CO2 exchange process at the air-sea interface, and the absorption rate of CO2 by P. yezoensis at the mature stage is higher than that at the growth stage before harvesting. The study revealed that macroalgae-shellfish mariculture could promote mutual growth, alleviate environmental pressure, and enhance the carbon sink of the culture area. The relationship between mariculture and the carbon cycle of a mariculture ecosystem is very complicated, and its biochemical process should be given great attention for further study.

Phytochemical composition and anti-oxidant, anti-Alzheimer and anti-inflammatory activities of pomegranate fruit as function of variety and ripening

IntroductionMedicinal plants are considered as rich resources of secondary metabolites and have been used for treating diseases. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is considered “a pharmacy unto itself”. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of ripening and variety factors on the antioxidant activity of pomegranate fruits and their capacity to inhibit three enzymes involved in degenerative diseases. Material and methodsThe fruits were collected from 4 Tunisian pomegranate varieties (Espagnoule, Rafrafi, Zaghwani and Zehri) during 3 maturity stages. Phytochemical content, the antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS assays and acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and 15-lipoxygenase inhibition activities were carried out. ResultsThe unripe fruits were found to be the richest in terms of total phenolic content. Total flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins and acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and 15-lipoxygenase inhibition activities varied greatly during ripening process and within varieties. It was found that unripe fruits of Zehri (IC50 = 2.2 µg/ mL by ABTS assay) and Rafrafi (IC50 = 73.4 µg/ mL by DPPH assay) varieties exhibited the highest antioxidant capacities. The strongest extract against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase was found to be the unripe fruit extract of Espagnoule variety with IC50 values of 86.7 and 58.0 µg/ mL, respectively. The ethanolic extract from the unripe fruit of Zehri pomegranate variety inhibited moderately 15- lipoxygenase activity with an IC50 value of 63.0 µg/ mL. ConclusionThe current study supported the popular use of pomegranate fruits, and highlighted also the potential effect of variety and ripening factors on their chemical composition and in vitro biological activities.

Identifying Semantic Shift Reasons of Domain Entities Using Diachronic Embedding

ABSTRACTIn academic literature, the semantic evolution of scientific terms reflects the development of domain knowledge. While there have been studies using diachronic word embeddings to reveal cultural and social shifts, research on the semantic evolution of scientific terms remains limited. This paper proposes a method utilizing diachronic semantic vectors to elucidate the semantic evolution of scientific entities. Firstly, diachronic semantic vectors of entities are trained using incremental learning to compute the semantic shift (ΔA) of a given entity A between periods t1 and t2. Secondly, entities similar to ΔA in periods t1 and t2 are defined as leading reasons and accompanying reasons, respectively. The experiment result shows that the leading reasons can capture the shifts of entities in the nascent stage, and the accompanying reasons can capture the shifts of words in the mature stage. The proposed method offers a better quantitative insight into the details and reasons behind domain knowledge evolution.

Determination of adipogenesis stages of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells using three-dimensional label-free holotomography

Adipogenesis involves complex changes in gene expression, morphology, and cytoskeletal organization. However, the quantitative analysis of live cell images to identify their stages through morphological markers is limited. Distinct adipogenesis markers on human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) were identified through holotomography, a label-free live cell imaging technique. In the MSC-to-preadipocyte transition, the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio (0.080 vs. 0.052) and lipid droplet (LD) refractive index variation decreased (0.149 % vs. 0.061 %), whereas the LD number (20 vs. 65) increased. This event was also accompanied by the downregulation and upregulation of THY1 and Preadipocyte Factor-1 (PREF-1), respectively. In the preadipocyte to immature adipocyte shift, cell sphericity (0.20 vs. 0.43) and LD number (65 vs. 200) surged, large LDs (>10 μm3) appeared, and the major axis of the cell was reduced (143.7 μm vs. 83.12 μm). These findings indicate features of preadipocyte and immature adipocyte stages, alongside the downregulation of PREF-1 and upregulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPARγ). In adipocyte maturation, along with PPARγ and Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4 upregulation, cell compactness (0.15 vs. 0.29) and sphericity (0.43 vs. 0.59) increased, and larger LDs (>30 μm3) formed, marking immature and mature adipocyte stages. The study highlights the distinct adipogenic morphological biomarkers of adipogenesis stages in UC-MSCs, providing potential applications in biomedical and clinical settings, such as fostering innovative medical strategies for treating metabolic disease.

Geochemical Characteristics and Significance of Molecular Markers in the Paleogene-Neogene Crude Oils of the Northwest Qaidam Basin.

The western Qaidam Basin is rich in oil and gas resources, constituting over 90% of the total oil and gas resources in the whole basin. However, the regional distribution characteristics of molecular markers of crude oil and the petroleum system elements relevant to the distribution of oil and gas in the northwest Qaidam Basin are still unclear, which restricts further exploration of oil and gas reservoirs. A total of 38 crude oils were collected from the Xiaoliangshan Sag and Mangya Sag in the northwest Qaidam Basin and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The indicators of sedimentary environment, organic matter source, and thermal maturity show regular changes from the west to the east in the Xiaoliangshan Sag and Mangya Sag. The nC21 -/nC22 +, n(C21 + C22)/n(C28 + C29), and C27-C28-C29 regular sterane distribution characteristics indicate that the input proportion of lower aquatic organisms in source rocks (E3-N1) gradually increases, while the input proportion of terrigenous organic matter gradually decreases. The triaromatic dinosterane index (TDSI) and methyltriaromatic steroid index (MTDSI) indicate that the input proportion of dinoflagellates gradually increases. The gradual increase in the Pr/Ph ratio indicates a decrease in the reducibility of the sedimentary environment of source rocks. The gammacerane index (Ga/C30H) and methylated-2-methyltrimethyltride-cylchromans (MTTCs) indicate that the degree of stratification and salinity of water body gradually decrease. A total of 23 thermal maturity parameters indicate that crude oil is in a mature evolution stage, and the thermal maturity of crude oil increases with depth, indicating that there are the characteristics of hydrocarbon accumulation close to source rocks. The variation features of sedimentary environment, organic matter origin, and thermal maturity indicators from the west to the east in the Xiaoliangshan Sag and Mangya Sag are controlled by the sedimentary structure characteristics of the study area.

A causal relationship between distinct immune features and acute or chronic pancreatitis: results from a mendelian randomization analysis

ObjectivesThis study aimed to thoroughly examining the causal link between immune traits and four types of pancreatitis, using mendelian randomization. MethodsData on 731 immune traits were collected from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) database as exposure. Information regarding acute pancreatitis (AP), alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis (AAP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), and alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis (ACP) were acquired from the FinnGen Consortium as outcomes. Mendelian randomization (MR) using inverse variance weighting (IVW) evaluated the links between immune traits and pancreatitis. We evaluated the robustness of the IVW results through sensitivity analyses and validated them using meta-analysis with AP and CP data from the UK Biobank in the GWAS catalog. ResultsA total of 36 immune traits showed significant associations with susceptibility of four types of pancreatitis, including AP (7 traits), AAP (8 traits), CP (14 traits), and ACP (7 traits). Twenty characteristics were found to be potential risk factors for pancreatitis, identified in B Cells (5 traits), conventional dendritic cells (cDCs, 2 traits), maturation stage of T cells (2 traits), monocytes (2 traits), myeloid cells (2 traits), T cells, B cells, natural killer cells (TBNK, 2 traits), and regulatory T cells (Treg cells, 5 traits). Multiple sensitivity analyses confirmed the validity of the findings. Meta-analysis confirmed a solid causal relationship between CX3CR1 on CD14− CD16−of monocyte panel and the susceptibility of CP. ConclusionsOur MR study identified immune traits causally linked to acute and chronic pancreatitis, offering new insights for early clinical intervention and immune cell-targeted therapies.

Effect of packaging materials on seed quality parameters during storage in soybean (Glycine max L.) seed harvested at physiological maturity stage in offseason

Effect of packaging materials on seed quality parameters during storage in soybean (Glycine max L.) seed harvested at physiological maturity stage in offseason

Deciphering origins of hydrocarbon deposits by means of intramolecular carbon isotopes of propane adsorbed on sediments

Hydrocarbons are one of the important fluids within the Earth’s crust, and different biotic and abitoic processes can generate hydrocarbon during geological periods. Tracing the sources and sinks of hydrocarbons can help us better understand the carbon cycle of the earth. In this study, an improved approach of adsorbed hydrocarbons extraction from sediments was established. The improved thermal desorption approach, compound-specific isotope analysis and position-specific isotope analysis were integrated to investigate the molecular and intramolecular isotope fractionation between trace hydrocarbon gases within sediments and geological hydrocarbon deposits. The isotopic compositions of the terminal position carbon of propane (δ13Cterminal) serves as a correlation indicator between trace hydrocarbon gases within sediments and geological hydrocarbon deposits. The tight sandstone gas from the Turpan-Hami Basin is a first case study for the application of this novel method to trace hydrocarbon origins. The results showed that the hydrocarbons in the tight sandstone gases in the study area most likely originated from humic organic matter (type III kerogen) at an early mature stage. δ13Cterminal values of the thermally desorbed propane gases from different source rocks were distinguishable and the values of the tight sandstone gases significantly overlap with those of the Lower Jurassic Sangonghe source rocks, suggesting their genetic relationship. Overall, the results provided novel position-specific carbon isotopic constraints on origins of hydrocarbons.

Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Reveals Causal Effects of Immune Cell Traits on Endometriosis Risk.

Previous studies have identified associations between immune cell traits and endometriosis, but the causality of these relationships remains uncertain. In this study, we utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between immune cell traits and endometriosis for the first time. Seven hundred and thirty-one immune cell signatures associated with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were extracted from a published genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 472174 individuals, while endometriosis data, including four stages and seven subtypes, were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. Four methods were used for MR. The causal effect of immune cell traits on endometriosis was explored after Bonferroni correction. Significant causal relationship included 92 immune cell traits distributed among B cell (28 cells), cDC (2 cells), maturation stages of T cell (10 cells), monocyte (12 cells), Myeloid cell (5 cells), TBNK (13 cells), and Treg panels (22 cells). One of the most significant findings is that for every 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in CD8 on Central Memory CD8+ T cell, the risks of developing endometriosis of the fallopian tube increased by 72%. In the reverse MR analysis, a one-unit increase in the log odds of endometriosis of the ovary risk corresponded to a decrease in the absolute count of CD4+ CD8dim T cell by 0.10. This study represents the first comprehensive evaluation of the causal effects of immune cell traits on the risk/protection of different stages/subtypes of endometriosis. The findings highlight the complex and significant role of immune-derived factors in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Qualitative Traits and Antioxidant Properties of Blood Oranges Are Affected by the Genotype and the Climatic Conditions.

Blood oranges are increasingly cultivated worldwide as consumers become more aware of the health benefits of their nutraceutical properties and natural antioxidants, specifically polyphenols and anthocyanins. The amounts of these compounds in the fruit mostly depend on the cultivar, rootstock, maturity stage, and environmental conditions. This work focused on the study of the qualitative features of numerous blood orange cultivars grown in three different environments in Spain and Italy. The aim of the work was to investigate the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites, including bioactive compounds, and to characterize fruit qualitative traits at the time of harvest. Simple sugars were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography and organic acids, polyphenols, and flavonoids by spectrophotometric analysis. The antioxidant potential of the juice was assessed by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Cultivation area affected juice color, with Moro and T. Ippolito being the varieties with the highest pigmentation. The cultivation area also determined the pattern of primary and secondary metabolite accumulation in the Tarocco lines. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential was influenced by the diverse environments. Principal Component Analysis highlighted three clusters, two overlapping clusters for the varieties grown in the two Spanish plots and a third clearly separated cluster for the genotypes grown in Italy. This study provides novel knowledge on primary and secondary metabolite accumulation in blood oranges, elucidating the role of genotype and environmental conditions on fruit quality.

Three dimensional radiological assessment of the mediopalatine suture ossification and its correlation with biological age and orthodontic anomaly

Introduction. Evaluating the ossification of the mediopalatine suture is crucial when considering Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) as a treatment option. Three-dimensional imaging, such as CBCT, enhances clinical practice in orthodontics by enabling personalized treatment based on individual patient characteristics. Objective. This study aimed to assess the morphology and degree of ossification/skeletal maturation of the mediopalatine suture using 3D imaging (CBCT). The secondary aim was to correlate the stages of suture maturation with patient age and skeletal anomalies. Material and method. CBCT images from 56 patients (aged 11 to 65 years) were analyzed. The mediopalatine suture maturation stages were determined according to Angelieri’s classification. Dental anomalies were diagnosed using comprehensive documentation. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate maturation stages with patient age and dental anomalies. Results. There was a weak and statistically non-significant negative correlation between patient age and suture maturation stage. Gender did not significantly influence the ossification of the mediopalatine suture. Conclusions. These findings suggest that the degree of ossification of the mediopalatine suture is independent of both the age of the patients and the presence of orthodontic anomalies.

Green growth a pathway to sustainable growth in developed countries

The quest by countries to drive to maturity stage of development especially by industrialize nations continued to impact on green economy despite policy framework and strategy implementation to curtail the activities. Emissions endanger the existence of secured environment. It is in the light of this literatures have concentrated on the area. This study seeks to investigate the determinants of green growth in 13 developed countries spanning 2010 to 2020. This study employed the ordinary least square regression with robust option, country specific effect and time fixed option, fixed effect and random effect estimation with time varying effect estimation options. This study also employed the generalized square regression technique with several robust option and post estimation test. The result of the study posit that CO2 emissions from gaseous fuel consumption which is (% of total) has a positive and significant relationship with green growth indicating that the consumption of this energy increases green growth. The coefficient Renewable energy consumption (% of total final energy consumption) revealed a positive effect on green growth. The coefficient Fossil fuel energy consumption (% of total energy) revealed a negative effect on green growth. In addition, Combustible renewable and waste (% of total energy) posit a negative relationship on green growth. A caveat for policy shows that in spite strategies and deliberate policy reform put in place to mitigate the effect on green growth, much is needed in terms of investment in clean energy. No doubt deliberate policy reform need to strengthen and enforced in this respect cannot be underscored

Effect of Harvest Maturity and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Inoculant on Dynamics of Fermentation Characteristics and Bacterial and Fungal Community of Triticale Silage

(1) Background: Suitable harvest maturity stage selection and microbial inoculation during anaerobic fermentation are effective strategies for improving the quality of triticale (×Triticosecale) silage for ruminant nutrition. (2) Methods: In the present study, the fermentation characteristics, microbial communities, and their correlations were evaluated for triticale silages, as affected by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) inoculation at the heading, flowering, filling, milk-ripening, and wax-ripening stages. (3) Results: The results indicate that the filling and milk-ripening stages without LP inoculation resulted in lower pH and higher lactic acid than other harvest maturity stages (p &lt; 0.05). Inoculating with LP decreased the pH at each harvest maturity stage, except for the filling stage, and increased the lactic acid concentration at the heading and filling stages (p &lt; 0.05). The bacterial dynamics indicated that the abundances of Lactiplantebacilli and Monascus of the triticale silages without the LP inoculation were different between the harvest maturity stages (p &lt; 0.05), and the abundance of Enterobacters was different between the harvest maturity stages in the triticale silage (p &lt; 0.05). Remarkably, negative correlations were found between the Lactiplantebacillus, Monascus, and pH and positive correlations were found between the Lactiplantebacillus, Monascus, and lactic acid content (p &lt; 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The filling and milk-ripening stages were the most suitable harvest maturity stages for the triticale silage. Inoculation with LP could enhance the fermentation quality, increase the abundances of beneficial microorganisms, and inhibit harmful microorganisms in triticale silage.

Hydrocarbon generation potential in Jurassic source rocks from hydrous pyrolysis experiments under ultradeep conditions

This study investigates the hydrocarbon generation potential of Jurassic source rocks under ultradeep conditions by utilizing semiclosed system hydrous pyrolysis experiments to simulate the geological processes at play. This study examines four distinct lithologies (shale, mudstone, carbonaceous mudstone, and coal) and three kerogen types (I, II, and III) across a temperature range of 250–650 °C and fluid pressures ranging from 34 to 100 MPa. The results indicate a bimodal distribution in total oil yields, with peak generation observed at approximately 350 °C and 600 °C. This pattern suggests a complex relationship between temperature, pressure, kerogen type, and hydrocarbon output. Notably, while I-Shale and II-Mudstone display higher hydrocarbon efficiency, III-type rocks exhibit superior oil and gas production rates because of their higher total organic carbon content. Research revealed that the oil expulsion rate exceeds 99% at temperatures above 500 °C, with the expelled oil predominantly comprising nonhydrocarbons and asphaltenes. Our findings suggest that Jurassic hydrocarbon source rocks maintain oil and gas potential under ultradeep conditions (high-over maturity stages at depths exceeding 6000 m). Under sustained fluid overpressure exceeding 70 MPa, the hydrocarbon generation peaks of various kerogen types in source rocks are markedly delayed. This phenomenon enables the source rocks to retain the potential for liquid hydrocarbon generation even during the stages of overmaturity. The results significantly enhance the theoretical framework of hydrocarbon generation under ultradeep conditions, thereby providing a crucial extension to the existing thermal boundary theory of hydrocarbon formation. These insights are crucial for the oil and gas industry, directing future exploration efforts towards ultradeep reservoirs and informing the development of new technologies to exploit these resources. This research not only enhances the understanding of subsurface hydrocarbon systems but also has implications for strategies aimed at maximizing resource recovery and managing the environmental impact of deep Earth exploration.

Global trends and hotspots in research of paronychia: A bibliometric analysis.

Paronychia is a prevalent clinical disease profoundly affecting patients' quality of life. As ongoing evolution in modern living environments, factors contributing to paronychia are becoming increasingly diverse. Therefore, a further understanding about latest trend of paronychia is imperative and pressing. A systematic literature search was performed based on Web of Science Core Collection and Science Citation Index Expanded. The search parameters encompassed keywords associated with paronychia from 1980 to 2023, and rigorous data cleaning procedures were executed to maintain the analysis's relevance and dependability, supplemented by a thorough examination of abstracts and titles. Visibility analysis was conducted with Citespace and VOSviewer tools to explore the publication trends, collaborative networks, and impactful studies. A total of 595 articles were included in this study. The annual publication trends exhibited a significant increase since 1990, reached a peak of 41 articles in 2021. Collaborative relationships among countries demonstrated strong connections, with the United States leading in both publication volume, citation records and international cooperation. Keyword analysis indicated that in recent years, a substantial body of research has concentrated on paronychia issues caused by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRI)-class drugs, such as Gefitinib, Erlotinib, and Afatinib, in the context of tumor treatment. In this area, most of the recent hotspots are not focused on the basic research about paronychia due to the basic research about traditional paronychia already reached a relative mature stage. However, with the widespread clinical application of EGFRI anticancer drugs, the incidence of drug-induced paronychia is inevitably on the rise. Therefore, with the expanding diversity in the etiology of paronychia, this area deserves a multiple discipline cooperation with a much wider international communication.

A maturity model for omnichannel adoption in health care institutions

Omnichannel adoption in healthcare service has recently become widely discussed as healthcare institutions struggle to keep up with changing patient expectations and technological advances. However, the need for a standard model for addressing this issue has left many healthcare institutions working to implement effective strategies. This study aims to establish a comprehensive model to evaluate adopting an omnichannel strategy in healthcare. To this purpose, two main objectives were pursued: i) identify and describe the different stages of maturity in adopting omnichannel strategy by healthcare institutions; ii) address the gaps identified in the literature and propose a roadmap to be followed to attain greater maturity levels. This roadmap is presented to healthcare institutions based on a gap analysis done regarding the adoption of an omnichannel strategy by healthcare institutions. Thus, a survey was conducted through online questionnaires in which ten Portuguese public hospitals participated. The survey data were collected, transformed, and analyzed using statistical methods to evaluate and make the proof-of-concept of the proposed model to identify the level of maturity regarding omnichannel strategy adoption. The results showed that Portuguese institutions participating in this survey are between the early and mid-stage of omnichannel adoption. Among the participants, it was possible to identify the healthcare institution's current level and the dimensions they lagged off and should improve to reach the next level regarding adopting the omnichannel strategy. Lastly, the findings and insights obtained from the data analysis provided valuable indications regarding omnichannel strategy in Portuguese healthcare institutions that participated in this study. Guidelines and directions were provided for future research on omnichannel maturity in healthcare.

Analysis of the nanostructure evolution of soot in n-heptane/iso-octane with 2,5-dimethylfuran addition: A combined experimental study and ReaxFF MD simulations

The soot formation of n-heptane/iso-octane doped 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) with different ratios was experimentally investigated through laminar diffusion flame and numerically simulated by using the pyrolysis simulations method of reactive force field molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD). The results showed that the laminar diffusion flame height of n-heptane/iso-octane increased with increasing DMF doping ratio. At a consistent sampling height, the primary soot particle sampling numbers collected were first decreasing and then increasing, and the size of the primary soot particle was first increasing and then decreasing accompanied by the DMF doping ratio increasing. Furthermore, the transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis provided that DMF initially inhibited and subsequently promoted the primary soot particle growth in the n-heptane/iso-octane flame. The core-shell ratio increased and then decreased with the increase of the DMF doping ratio, which indicated that the maturity of soot decreased and then increased. In n-heptane/iso-octane doped with DMF ReaxFF MD pyrolysis simulation, it was divided into three stages 0–0.5 ns (the first stage), 0.5–3 ns (the second stage), and 3–4.5 ns (the third stage). Fuel decomposed in the first stage and reacted violently in the second stage. The soot precursors continued to react, molecule size kept to increase, and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) continued to grow. In the third stage, the carbon number of the largest molecules were slowly increasing, and the development of soot entered mature stage, where the H/C ratio was slowly decreasing. Through ReaxFF MD simulations, it was found that the maturity of soot exhibited decreasing and then increasing trend with the increase of DMF doping ratio. The graphene-like structures were mainly concentrated around the H/C ratio of 0.297 region.